Patent application title: SPILLGUARD

Abstract:

A system operable to detachably secure a bib to a restraint device (e.g. a
strap in a vehicle). The system may include a clip having a strap section
and a bib section that are rotatably interconnected. As such, the strap
and bib sections may be rotated relative to each other in order to for a
bib (engaged by the bib section) to hang in a desired position. The strap
and bib section may be adapted to respectively detachably mount a strap
and a bib. In one embodiment, a retention force between the strap section
and a strap may be selected from the mechanical devices, magnetic
devices, and combinations of mechanical and magnetic devices.

Claims:

1. A restraint system, comprising:a strap engageable with a seat occupant;
anda clip comprising a strap section and a bib section, wherein said
strap section and said bib section are rotatably interconnected, and
wherein said clip is mounted on said strap.

2. The restraint system of claim 1, wherein said strap comprises a
shoulder harness.

3. The restraint system of claim 1, wherein said strap section is
detachably mounted on said strap.

4. The restraint system of claim 1, wherein said strap section is adapted
to be repeatedly mountable on and removable from said strap.

5. The restraint system of claim 1, wherein a retention force between said
strap section and said strap is selected from the group consisting of
mechanical, magnetic, and any combination thereof.

6. The restraint system of claim 1, wherein said strap section comprises a
spring.

7. The restraint system of claim 1, wherein said strap section comprises
first and second strap sections that are movable relative to each other.

8. The restraint system of claim 7, wherein moving said first and second
strap sections apart accommodates installation of said clip on said
strap.

9. The restraint system of claim 7, wherein said first and second strap
sections are biased to a strap-retaining position.

10. The restraint system of claim 7, wherein at least one of said first
and second strap sections comprises a magnet.

11. The restraint system of claim 1, wherein said strap section comprises
first and second strap interface sections that are spaced from each
other, wherein said first and second strap interface sections exert a
greater retention force on said strap than a portion of said strap
section that extends between said first and second strap interface
sections.

12. The restraint system of claim 1, wherein said clip comprises a pivot
pin that interconnects said strap section and said bib section.

13. The restraint system of claim 1, wherein said bib section is rotatable
relative to said strap section about a first axis.

14. The restraint system of claim 1, wherein said bib section may be
rotated relative to said strap section between a plurality of
predetermined positions.

15. The restraint system of claim 1, wherein said clip further comprises a
plurality of retention positions between said strap section and said bib
section, wherein each of said retention positions provides a greater
resistance to relative rotational motion between said strap section and
said bib section than a separate transition position that extends between
each adjacent pair of retention positions.

16. The restraint system of claim 1, wherein a retention force between
said bib section and a bib engaged by said bib section is selected from
the group consisting of mechanical, magnetic, and any combination
thereof.

17. The restraint system of claim 1, wherein said bib section comprises a
spring.

18. The restraint system of claim 1, wherein said bib section comprises
first and second bib sections that are movable relative to each other.

19. The restraint system of claim 18, wherein moving said first and second
bib sections apart accommodates installation of a bib within said bib
section.

20. The restraint system of claim 18, wherein said first and second bib
sections are biased to a bib-retaining position.

21. The restraint system of claim 18, wherein at least one of said first
and second bib sections comprises a magnet.

22. The restraint system of claim 1, further comprising a bib engaged by
said bib section.

Description:

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001]This patent application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e)
to pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/226,329, that
is entitled "SPILLGUARD," that was filed on Jul. 17, 2009, and the entire
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety
herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002]The present invention generally relates to the field of clothing
protection devices, and more particularly, to devices that allow an
occupant of a seat to secure a bib relative to a body portion while in
the seat.

BACKGROUND

[0003]Bibs are often used by people of different ages at home,
restaurants, nursing homes, and the like to prevent or reduce the
likelihood of clothes becoming soiled. Bibs are made in a variety of
sizes to cover a user anywhere between the user's neck to the user's lap.
Some bibs are reusable and as such may be made from cloth or plastic,
while others are disposable and may be made from inexpensive materials
such as a plastic-coated paper or thin plastic. Typically, the bib is
secured behind the user's neck using devices such as ties, snaps, and the
like.

[0004]It has become increasingly popular for drivers and passengers in
vehicles to eat and drink while in transit, which often results in spills
due to vehicle movements (e.g., accelerations and decelerations;
encountering bumps in the road; swerving of the vehicle). Drivers
sometimes attempt to use bibs to prevent their clothing from being soiled
by food and beverage spills.

SUMMARY

[0005]A first aspect of the present invention is embodied by a bib system
including a clip, the clip having strap and bib sections (e.g., first and
second clip sections or clasps) that are rotatably interconnected to each
other. The clip is adapted to be mounted on a strap (e.g., a strap of a
restraint system of any appropriate type, such as one commonly used, in a
vehicle such as a motor vehicle (e.g., a passenger seat in a car), a
train, or an airplane, or the like; in an infant car seat), that in turn
is engageable with a seat occupant.

[0006]A number of feature refinements and additional features are
applicable to the first aspect of the present invention. These feature
refinements and additional features may be used individually or in any
combination. The following discussion is applicable to the first aspect,
up to the start of the discussion of a second aspect of the present
invention.

[0007]The strap and bib sections may detachably mount to a strap and a bib
in any appropriate manner. That is, the strap and bib sections may be
configured so that detaching the same from a strap or bib does not
adversely affect the structure of the strap and bib sections, such that
they may thereafter be mounted to a strap or bib (e.g., the strap section
may be repeatedly mounted to and dismounted from a strap without
"breaking" the strap section; the bib section may be repeatedly mounted
to and dismounted from a bib without "breaking" the bib section).

[0008]Any appropriate mount configuration may be used by each of the strap
and bib sections. Generally, each of the strap and bib sections may be
characterized as having a pair of clamping members that are movable away
from each other to allow a strap or bib to be positioned therebetween,
and that are biased in some fashion toward each other (e.g., by a spring
force, by a magnetic attraction, by a clamping force exerted on the pair
of clamping members by another structure) to provide a clamping force to
retain a strap or bib between these clamping members. The pair of
clamping members may be interconnected in any appropriate manner, such as
by a living hinge or the like, and may in fact be part of a common
structure. One or both of the strap and bib sections could be in the form
of a money clip or an at least generally U-shaped, spring-biased clamping
device, a clothes-pin like arrangement, or any other type of clamping
arrangement. One or both of the strap and bib sections could also be in
the form of a pair of clamping members that are movable relative to each
other between open and closed positions (e.g., via a living hinge between
the pair of clamping members), and that are magnetically retained in the
closed position (e.g., by one or both of the clamping members may include
one or more magnets) to retain a strap or bib therebetween. Any
appropriate combination of mount configurations may be used for the strap
and bib sections.

[0009]The strap section of the clip may be adapted to be mounted (e.g.,
removably or detachably) on a strap of a restraint system, and the bib
section of the clip may be adapted to detachably engage a bib. In other
arrangements, the bib system may be used vice versa, such that the strap
section may be adapted to detachably engage a bib, while the bib section
may be adapted to be mounted (e.g., removably or detachably) on a strap.
Although the bib system may be preferably for use with a strap of a
restraint system, it could be installed on other types of objects such as
clothing.

[0010]Any type of clip including rotatably connected strap and bib
sections may be used as part of the bib system. In one arrangement, the
strap section may be adapted to be detachably mounted on the strap. For
instance, the strap section may be designed such that a seat occupant
(e.g., a driver of a vehicle, a passenger of a vehicle, an infant in a
car seat or the like,) may be able to repeatedly mount the strap section
onto and remove the strap section from the strap. In this regard, the
seat occupant may mount the strap section onto the strap each time the
occupant is going to sit on the associated seat (e.g., each time the
occupant enters a vehicle). In other arrangements, the seat occupant may
mount the strap section onto the strap and leave such strap section
mounted to the strap for future use (e.g., upon exiting the vehicle). The
strap section may be slid relative to the strap, for instance to allow
for adjustment of the position of the clip during use or to
accommodate/facilitate storage of the strap (e.g., if the strap is
retractable).

[0011]The strap section may be adapted or operable to exert a retention
force towards or against the strap, and such a retention force may be
generated by any appropriate device or combination of devices, such as
one or more mechanical devices (e.g., springs, biasing members), magnetic
devices (e.g., magnet/ferromagnet combinations) and/or any combination of
such devices. The strap section may be in the form of any structure or
design operable to releasably retain or mount a bib, strap, or the like
thereto. In one embodiment, the strap section may include first and
second strap sections (e.g., first and second clamp portions) that are
movable relative to each other; in some variations, the strap section may
be in the form of a "money clip". For instance, such strap sections may
be moved between at least a "strap installation" position and a
"strap-retaining" position. Such first and second strap sections may be
moved apart or otherwise separated to accommodate installation of the
clip on the strap. The strap section may be operable to exert a force
towards the strap-retaining position, even when the strap is in the strap
installation position (e.g., the first and second strap sections may be
biased to a strap-retaining position). In other variations, the strap
section may be appropriately manipulated such that the retention force
may be selectively "turned on" and "turned off". For instance, the strap
section may include first and second strap sections that are connected by
a hinge of any appropriate type (e.g., a living hinge), along with a
slidable member (e.g., a spring or clasp) that may be operable to slide
over and/or compress the first and second strap sections to exert the
retention force on the strap. Generally, the strap section may be
characterized as a clamp or a clamping structure of any appropriate type.

[0012]To increase the gripping or retention ability of the strap section
against the strap, the strap section may include one or more strap
interface sections (e.g., first and second strap interface sections that
are spaced from each other). Any such strap interface sections may be in
the form of protrusions, teeth, bumps, or the like. In some embodiments,
such strap interface sections each include an elongated concave portion
of the strap section; in other embodiments, each strap interface section
may include at least one row of teeth. The strap interface sections may
be designed or adapted to exert a greater retention force on the strap
than a portion of the strap section that extends between the strap
interface sections, or that portion of the strap section that is located
between the strap interface sections. Stated otherwise, the portion of
the strap section portion extending between the first and second strap
interface sections may or may not be adapted to make contact with a strap
retained by the strap section.

[0013]In another arrangement, the bib section may be operable to removably
or detachably mount or connect to a bib. As such, the strap and bib
sections may be adapted to collectively operate to removably or
detachably mount a bib to a strap associated with a seat (e.g., in a
vehicle). The bib section may be operable to exert a retention force
against a bib, and such a retention force may be selected from one or
more mechanical devices, magnetic devices and/or combinations thereof.
The bib section may be in the form of any structure or design operable to
releasably retain or mount a bib, strap, or the like thereto. For
instance, the bib section may include first and second bib sections
(e.g., first and second clamp sections or members) that are movable
(e.g., pivotable) relative to each other. For instance, the bib section
may include any type of spring device, and such a spring device may be
operable (in combination with the first and second bib sections) to exert
the retention force against the bib. In some arrangements, the first and
second bib sections may be pivotally connected by a pivot pin that may
extend through a portion of a spring (e.g. a spring hinge). In other
arrangements, the first and second bib sections may be pivotally
connected by way of ball and socket type arrangements. Regardless of the
specific arrangement utilized to accommodate movement of the first and
second bib sections relative to each other, moving such first and second
bib sections apart may accommodate installation of a bib in the clip.
Generally, the bib section may be characterized as a clamp or a clamping
structure of any appropriate type.

[0014]In some instances, the first and second bib sections may be biased
towards a "bib-retaining" position. As such, once a user separates the
first and second bib sections or otherwise moves such sections apart and
inserts a bib therebetween, the first and second bib sections may be
designed to automatically close or compress into the bib-retaining
position to detachably secure the bib within the bib section. The first
and second bib sections may alternatively or additionally be associated
with magnetic devices that may be operable to exert the retention force
against the bib. As a further example, each of the bib sections may be
associated with hook portions (e.g., the hook portion of a hook and loop
arrangement) that may be operable to interact with each other and thus
resist separation of the bib sections. Such hook sections may
additionally increase the gripping ability of the bib section against a
bib. In other embodiments, at least one of the first and second bib
sections may be associated with hook portions of a hook and loop
arrangement while the other of the first and second bib sections may be
associated with loop portions of a hook and loop arrangement. The bib
section may also include spaced apart bib-interface sections that may be
operable to increase the gripping ability of the bib section against a
bib.

[0015]A portion of the bib and/or strap section may include a facilitation
member that may be operable to aid in the loading, unloading and/or
adjustment of a bib into, from or within the bib section. For instance,
the facilitation member may be in the form of a roller or cylindrical
member associated with one of the first and second bib sections (and
rotatable relative thereto) that may be operable to contact and exert a
retention force against the other of the first and second bib sections.
During loading of a bib into a bib section including such a roller, a
user may not need to separate the first and second bib sections. Instead,
the user may be able to simply insert the bib between the roller and one
of the first and second bib sections, and then pull the bib into a
receiving space situated between the first and second bib sections. Once
the user stops pulling the bib, the roller may be operable to inhibit or
at least reduce the potential for is relative movement of the bib out of
the receiving space owing to the retention force generated by the roller
against one of the first and second bib sections. Fine adjustments and
unloading of the bib may be made in a similar way. In other arrangements,
the roller or facilitation member may be associated with a portion of one
of the bib and strap sections and may be operable to urge a portion of a
bib or strap against a portion of the other of the bib strap sections.

[0016]At least a portion of the bib section and/or strap section may
include a handle and/or finger grip to aid in the separation of the first
and second bib sections and/or first and second strap sections. For
instance, the handle may facilitate separation of the first and second
bib sections and/or first and second strap sections against a biasing
force generated by a spring, magnetic arrangement, or the like, and
including any combination thereof.

[0017]The bib and strap sections may be rotatably interconnected to each
other by way of any appropriate pivot assembly. The pivot assembly may
allow the bib and strap sections to at least rotate or move about a first
axis extending through a portion of the bib and strap section. In some
instances, the pivot assembly may allow the bib section to be freely
rotated relative to the strap section to one of an infinite number of
rotational positions between the bib and strap sections. In other
instances, the clip may include at least one pivot pin interconnecting
the strap and bib sections that allows at least one of the bib and strap
sections to be rotated relative to the other of the bib and straps
sections between a plurality of predetermined positions. For instance,
the clip may further include a plurality of retention positions for the
strap section relative to the bib section. In this case, each of the
retention positions may provide a greater resistance to relative
rotational motion between the strap and bib sections than a separate
transition position extending between each adjacent pair of retention
positions. In one embodiment, the pivot assembly may include at least one
protrusion (e.g., ball-shaped protrusion) on one of the strap and bib
sections that may be repeatedly movable into and out of one of series of
apertures, the apertures being situated in the shape of a circle. In
another variation, the strap section may be repeatedly mountable on and
removable from the bib section. For instance, the strap and bib sections
may be interconnected via a magnetic coupling. As an example, a portion
of the strap section may include a first connection member which may be
in the form of a magnetic member (e.g., a ferromagnet or a magnet), while
a portion of the bib section may include a second connection member which
may be in the form of another magnetic member (e.g., a ferromagnet or a
magnet). The magnetic members may be engaged to removably secure the
strap section to the bib section. In this regard, a user may choose to
removably secure the strap section to an object (e.g., strap) and then
removably secure the bib section to another object (e.g., bib), the two
objects initially being located in different locations. Thereafter, the
user may appropriately connect the bib and strap sections utilizing the
above-discussed magnetic members. Other types of connection members may
be used (e.g., mechanical devices). In any case, the bib and strap
sections still remain rotatable relative to each other.

[0018]In another arrangement, the clip may include a third section in
addition to the bib and strap sections that may also serve to releasably
engage any appropriate object. The third section may be rotatably
interconnected to the bib and strap sections by way of the same pivot
assembly so as to rotate about the first axis. In other embodiments, the
third section may be interconnected to the clip by another pivot assembly
that allows the third section to rotate about the first axis or about a
second axis different than the first axis (e.g., the second axis is
perpendicular or otherwise at an angle to the first axis). Moreover, the
third section may be appropriately repeatedly mountable on and removable
from the bib and/or strap sections. Additional sections may be
incorporated into or onto the clip.

[0019]A second aspect of the present invention is embodied by a restraint
system that includes a strap engageable with a seat occupant, and the
previously described clip comprising rotatably interconnected strap and
bib sections. In this aspect, the clip is mounted on the strap.

[0020]A number of feature refinements and additional features are
applicable to the second aspect of the present invention. These feature
refinements and additional features may be used individually or in any
combination. The following discussion is applicable to the second aspect,
up to the start of the discussion of a third aspect of the present
invention.

[0021]In an embodiment, the strap may be appropriately incorporated as
part of a restraint device (e.g., three point restraint device) in any
type of vehicle (e.g., motor vehicle, plane, train) or as part of an
infant seat or the like. In one arrangement, the strap may be in the form
of a belt (e.g., shoulder harness) that may be operable to extend across
the chest of a seat occupant. In other embodiments, the strap may be in
the form of a lap belt. Other appropriate types of belts may be
incorporated as part of the restraint system.

[0022]In another embodiment, the restraint system may have a bib situated
in or otherwise detachably held by the clip. Such a bib may be in the
form of any appropriate garment or body-protecting device. For instance,
the bib may be in the form of a traditional cloth or paper napkin used
for preventing or reducing the potential of spilled food and drinks from
moving or transferring from one side of the bib to the other side of the
bib (e.g., from the front side of the bib to the back side of the bib,
which may be disposed adjacent to the user's body). The bib may also be
in the form of a dual-layered bib having at least one liquid absorbent
layer and at least one liquid repellant layer. Such an absorbent layer
may face away from the body of the user so as to catch and absorb spilled
drink and food, while the liquid repellant layer may face towards the
user's body to prevent such spilled liquids and foods from contacting the
clothes or body portions of the user.

[0023]In one embodiment, the bib may include first and second portions
that may be of varying dimensions and shapes. For instance, the bib may
include an upper portion (e.g., a first bib section) and a second bib
portion (e.g., a second bib section). The first bib section may by
engaged by the clip and have a tapering width. The second bib section may
extend from the first bib section and have a width greater than an
entirety of the first bib section. As an example, a width of the bib may
increase along the first bib section while progressing away from the
clip, and thereafter may remain constant along the second bib section.
The tapered width of the first bib section may allow vehicle passengers
and other users of the bib more freedom in the use of their arms than a
bib having a constant width along the entire length of such bib. In other
arrangements, the bib may include a third bib section with dimensions
different than those of the first and/or second bib sections. For
instance, the third bib section may extend from the second bib section
and have a width greater than the width of the first and/or second bib
sections. As an example, a width of the bib may increase along the third
bib section while progressing away from the second bib section. In this
regard, the third bib section may be draped over the surface of the
leg(s), seat cushions and/or other vehicle equipment to prevent or reduce
the potential of spilled food and drinks from staining or otherwise
marring or damaging such surfaces.

[0024]A third aspect of the present invention is embodied by a method of
removably securing a bib to a restraint system (e.g., in a vehicle). The
method initially includes opening a strap section of a clip. For example,
the strap section includes first and second strap sections that may be
appropriately separated. Thereafter, such first and second strap sections
may be sandwiched against or otherwise compressed on a strap of the
restraint system, and then the strap section may be closed. If not so
oriented, a bib section of the clip may be rotated so as to be in a
substantially vertical orientation (e.g., a receiving space within the
bib section may open downwardly). In other arrangements, the bib section
may either be left in whatever orientation it was in after the strap was
compressed by the strap section, or may even be rotated to a non-vertical
orientation to provide a desired positioning of the bib section. In any
case, a bib may be secured to the bib section.

[0025]Other methods of removably securing a bib to a restraint system are
envisioned. For instance, a bib section of a clip may be appropriately
removably secured to a bib and a strap section of the clip may be
removably secured to a strap of the restraint system, irrespective of the
order in which such bib and strap sections are respectively removably
attached to the bib and strap. Thereafter and assuming the bib and strap
sections are separated, the bib section may be removably attached to the
strap section. The bib section may thereafter be appropriately moved
(e.g., rotated) to position the bib in a desired orientation relative to
a body and/or clothing portion of a passenger.

[0026]A number of feature refinements and additional features are
separately applicable to each of above-noted first, second and third
aspects of the present invention as well. These feature refinements and
additional features may be used individually or in any combination in
relation to each of the first and second aspects. Initially, any feature
that is intended to be limited to a "singular" context or the like will
be clearly set forth herein by terms such as "only," "single," "limited
to," or the like. Merely introducing a feature in accordance with
commonly accepted antecedent basis practice does not limit the
corresponding feature to the singular (e.g., indicating that a clip
includes "a spring" alone does not mean that the clip includes only a
single spring). Finally, use of the phrase "at least generally" or the
like in relation to a particular feature encompasses the corresponding
characteristic and insubstantial variations thereof (e.g., indicating
that a part is at least generally cylindrical or the like encompasses the
part actually being cylindrical).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0027]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a restraint system
including a strap, a bib, and a clip.

[0028]FIG. 2 is another more detailed perspective view of the clip used by
the restraint system of FIG. 1.

[0030]FIG. 4a is a side view of the clip of FIG. 2, showing a first clip
section in a bib and/or strap retaining position.

[0031]FIG. 4b is another side view of the clip of FIG. 2, showing the
first clip section in a bib and/or strap installation position.

[0032]FIG. 5a is a bottom view of the clip of FIG. 2, showing a second
clip section in a bib and/or strap retaining position.

[0033]FIG. 5b is another bottom view of the clip of FIG. 2, showing the
second clip section in a bib and/or strap installation position.

[0034]FIG. 6a is a top view of the clip of FIG. 2, showing the first clip
section in a first orientation relative to the second clip section.

[0035]FIG. 6b is another top view of the clip of FIG. 2, showing the first
clip section in a second orientation relative to the second clip section,
and after the clip sections having been rotated or pivoted relative to
each other.

[0036]FIG. 7 is a top view of the clip of FIG. 2, illustrating an access
hole.

[0037]FIG. 8 is a top view of the clip of FIG. 2 being mounted onto a
restraint, such as the strap of the restraint system of FIG. 1.

[0038]FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a clip
that may be used with a restraint system.

[0043]FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of clip that
may be used with a restraint system.

[0044]FIG. 15 is another top perspective view of the clip of FIG. 14.

[0045]FIG. 16 is a bottom perspective view of the clip in FIG. 14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046]A perspective view of one embodiment a restraint system 10 is
illustrated in FIG. 1. This restraint system 10 may be utilized by a user
U (e.g., a seat occupant) to position a bib 14 or other appropriate
garment protecting device across a portion of the user's chest, upper
torso, and/or other appropriate body portion(s). In this regard, the
restraint system 10 may be used with the bib 14 to prevent or otherwise
inhibit food, beverages or other substances from contacting the user's
clothing and garments. The restraint system 10 broadly includes a strap
18 and a clip 22. As will be more fully described below, the clip 22 may
serve to releasably mount or attach the bib 14 to the strap 18 to
position the bib 14 over a user's chest or other appropriate body portion
(e.g., legs), and when not in use, the clip 22 may be stored in any
appropriate location (e.g., on a user's belt; on the strap 18; in a glove
compartment). The clip 22 may also be slid along the strap 18 as
desired/required.

[0047]The strap 18 may be in the form of a shoulder harness or belt that
may be used as part of a three-point restraint device in a vehicle. For
instance, the strap 18 may be connected at one end 19 to any appropriate
retraction mechanism (e.g., spool and rewind spring assembly, not shown)
and at another end 20 to a buckle arrangement 21 (e.g., buckle and tongue
assembly). The strap 18 may also be in the form of other types of belts
and restraints (e.g., lap belt). The clip 22 may be used with any
appropriate restraint, such as in conjunction with an infant harness for
a car seat. The clip 22 may also be used to attach to clothing.

[0048]With continued reference to FIG. 1, the bib 14 of the restraint
system 10 may include an upper (e.g., first) portion or section 26 and a
lower (e.g., second) portion or section 30. As illustrated, the upper
portion 26 may be tapered as it extends away from the lower portion 30.
Stated otherwise, as the bib 14 hangs or otherwise extends from the clip
22 while the bib 14 and clip 22 are in use (e.g., the upper portion 26 is
engaged with the clip 22), a width of the upper portion 26 may gradually
increase along its length from the clip 22 to the lower portion 30 (e.g.,
as one progresses away from the clip 22). Moreover, a width of the lower
portion 30 may be at least generally constant over an entire length of
the lower portion 30, although such may not be required in all instances.
As such, numerous advantages may result. The tapering design of the upper
portion 26 may allow the user U increased freedom in the use of his or
her arms while driving or else at least being a passenger or seat
occupant in a vehicle. More specifically, as the user U lifts or
otherwise manipulates his or her arms while utilizing the restraint
system 10, the bib 14 may not impede such motion of the arms and/or arm
movement should not appreciably move the bib 14. Additionally, the
generally constant width of the lower portion 30 may serve to increase
the coverage area of the bib 14 over the torso portion of the user U, and
may lead to greater protection of the user U from spilled food,
beverages, makeup, and the like. Although the edges of the upper portion
26 that defined its tapered configuration are linear in the illustrated
embodiment, such edges may be of any appropriate shape (e.g., curved).
Other shapes and dimensions of the bib 14 are also contemplated.

[0049]The bib 14 may be made of any appropriate material (e.g., pliable)
and may include at least some liquid repellency properties. For instance,
the bib 14 may include a lower layer (not shown) of a water repellent
type material such as nylon sheath, plastic sheath, combinations thereof,
and the like. Such a layer may generally face towards the user U and may
serve to prevent liquids and other moist food and objects from contacting
a portion of the user U, or at least reduce the likelihood of such events
from occurring. An upper layer (not shown) may be disposed or attached
over the lower layer (the upper layer being able to face away from the
user U in use), and may serve to absorb or otherwise receive liquids,
food particles and the like, may serve to prevent or inhibit such liquids
and food particles from spilling onto other portions of the user U not
covered by the bib 14, or both. For instance, the upper layer may include
at least one of cotton, open cell foam, towel-type materials, and the
like, and may be appropriately attached to the lower layer such as by
gluing, stitching, and the like. In other embodiments, the bib 14 may be
in the form of a napkin (e.g., paper and/or cloth) or other appropriate
garment and/or body protecting devices. The bib 14 may be a reusable
(e.g., washable) or disposable item.

[0050]With continued reference to FIG. 1, along with FIGS. 2-8, the clip
22 of the restraint system 10 is illustrated and may be broadly construed
as having a first clip section 34, a second clip section 38, and a pivot
assembly 42 that may be operable to rotatably interconnect the first and
second clip sections 34, 38. The first and second clip sections 34, 38
being rotatably interconnected does not require a full 360° of
relative motion between these parts, although such may be utilized. As
shown in FIG. 1, the first clip section 34 may be detachably or
releasably attached to the bib 14 and may be in the form of a "bib
section," while the second clip section 38 may be detachably or
releasably attached to the strap 18 and may be in the form of a "strap
section". In a more typical arrangement, however, the first clip section
34 may be detachably or releasably attached to the strap 18 and thus may
be in the form of a "strap section," while the second strap section 38
may be detachably or releasably attached to the bib 14 and thus may be in
the form of a "bib section". In either arrangement, the clip 22 may
broadly serve to repeatedly detachably or releasably attach the bib 14 to
the strap 18. Moreover, either or both the bib 14 or the strap 18 may be
repeatedly mountable on and/or removable from either the first and/or
section clip section 34, 38.

[0051]The first clip section 34 may include first and second clamp
portions 46, 50 that may be movable relative to each other with a
receiving space 54 formed between the first and second clamp portions 46,
50 for accepting the strap 18, bib 14, etc. As shown, the first clip
section 34 may be in the form of a one-piece "money clip". A biasing
section 58 (e.g., spring; living hinge) interconnects the first and
second clamp portions 46, 50 and may serve to provide a bias or
compressive force between the first and second clamp portions 46, 50 so
as to bias the first and second clamp portions 46, 50 to a strap and/or
bib retaining position as illustrated in FIG. 4a (not all features of the
clip 22 being illustrated in FIG. 4a for clarity). Stated otherwise, the
biasing section 58 may tend to urge the first and second clamp portions
46, 50 back toward a static position when deflected from the static
position. As such, at least a portion of the biasing section 58 may
engage in elastic deformation. Thus and as will be later described, when
a user applies an appropriate force to separate the first and second
clamp portions 46, 50 into a strap and/or bib loading position as shown
in FIG. 4b (not all features of the clip 22 being illustrated in FIG. 4b
for clarity), the user may insert an object (e.g., strap 18, bib 14) into
the receiving space 54. In this regard, the first and second clamp
portions 46, 50 may accommodate installation of the strap 18 and/or bib
14. Thereafter, the biasing section 58 may be operable to compress the
first and second clamp portions 46, 50 towards each other to releasably
or detachably attach the object to the first strap section 34 when the
user releases the above-mentioned applied force. Although the first clamp
portion 46, second clamp portion 50, and biasing section 58 have been
described as separate parts, they may be associated with a common
structure. For instance, the first clamp portion 46, second clamp portion
50 and biasing section may be appropriately formed as a one-piece
structure.

[0052]The first clamp portion 46 of the first clip section 34 may be in
the form of an elongated member having first and second strap interface
sections 59, 62 that may be spaced from each other, and may include a
finger catch 66 that may be appropriately lifted or otherwise manipulated
by a user to separate the first clamp portion 46 from the second clamp
portion 50 against the compressive force of the biasing section 58. The
first and second strap interface sections 59, 62 may be operable to
contact the object (e.g., strap 18) situated within the receiving space
54. In this regard, the first and second strap interface sections 59, 62
may be operable to exert a greater force on the strap 18 than a portion
(not labeled) of the first clip section 34 that extends and/or is
positioned between the first and second strap interface sections 59, 62.
In use and after the first and second clamp portions 46, 50 have been
separated to the loading position illustrated in FIG. 4b, a user may
insert the strap 18 into the receiving space 54 until the strap 18
contacts or is substantially adjacent the biasing section 58 (or
otherwise into a suitable position within the receiving space 54). Once
the first and second clamp portions 46, 50 are allowed to return to an
original position as illustrated in FIG. 4a (e.g., via the action of the
biasing section 58), the first strap interface section 59 may be operable
to urge the strap 18 against the second clamp portion 50 and thus
restrict or otherwise reduce relative movement of the strap 18 with
respect to the first clip section 34.

[0053]Moreover, the second strap interface section 62 may serve a number
of functions. If a portion of the strap 18 is situated between the second
strap interface section 62 and the second clamp portion 50 after the
strap 18 has been inserted into the receiving space 54, the second strap
interface section 62 may be operable to urge the strap 18 against the
second clamp portion 50 and thus restrict or otherwise reduce relative
movement of the strap 18 with respect to the first clip section 34.
Additionally, if the entire width of the strap 18 is situated between the
biasing section 58 and the second strap interface section 62 (e.g., the
strap 18 is not situated between the second strap interface section and
the second clamp portion 50) after the strap 18 has been inserted into
the receiving space 54, the second strap interface section 62 may be
operable to maintain contact with the second clamp portion 50 and thus
function to serve as a stop to prevent (or at least reduce the potential
of) the strap 18 from exiting the receiving space 54 in a direction from
the biasing section 58 to the second strap interface section 62. It will
be appreciated that the first and/or section strap interface sections 59,
62 may be designed to exert any desired level of gripping pressure
against a strap 18 or other object disposed within the receiving space
54, and may take various shapes, dimensions and forms. For instance, the
first and/or second strap interface sections may be in the form of one or
more protrusions, teeth, spring-loaded ball bearings, or the like.
Additional strap interface sections may be incorporated with the clip 22.

[0054]The second clamp portion 50 of the first clip section 34 may be in
the form of an elongated member having a receiving surface 70 for
receiving or accepting an object. The receiving surface 70 may be
substantially planar to inhibit or otherwise reduce marring or
degradation of a strap 18 and/or bib 14 received thereon. Moreover, the
receiving surface 70 may include at least one pivot aperture 74 extending
therethrough and a pair of adjustment protrusions 75 (more or fewer than
a pair may be provided) on an underside thereof that will be more fully
described below. The first clip section 34 may be constructed of any
appropriate material such as metals (e.g., stainless steel), plastics,
and the like. While the first and second clamp portions 46, 50 have been
described as being biased together by way of a biasing section 58 which
may be in the form of a spring, other arrangements are envisioned. For
instance, each of the first and second clamp portions 46, 50 may
additionally or alternatively include magnetic members (e.g., magnets,
metals) that may be operable to pull the first and second portions 46, 50
towards each other or otherwise force or urge the first clamp portion 46
against the second clamp portion 50. Other embodiments envision that the
first clip section 34 may include any other structure or design operable
to releasably hold or mount a bib 14, strap 18, or the like thereto.

[0055]The second clip section 38 may include first and second portions 78,
82 that may be appropriately connected to each other such as by
adhesives, stitching, and/or the like. The first portion 78 may include
first and second members or layers 90, 94, each of which may be in the
form of a generally planar member that may be attached to each other such
as by stitches 98 or in any other appropriate manner. In one embodiment,
a stiffening element (e.g., cardboard, not shown) may be disposed between
the first and second members 90, 94, and each of the first and second
members 90, 94 may be made of plastic or vinyl for instance (or any other
appropriate material). In any case, a receiving area (not shown) may be
formed between the first and second members 90, 94 for accepting a
portion of a pivot pin 146 as will be described below.

[0056]The second portion 82 may include first and second clamp members
102, 106 that may be pivoted or moved relative to each other, and a
receiving space 110 that may formed between the first and second clamp
members 102, 106 for accepting an object (e.g., bib 14, strap 18) upon
separation of the first and second clamp members 102, 106 as will be
described below. In this regard, moving the first and second members 102,
106 may accommodate installation of the bib 14 or strap 18 within the
second clip section 38. Although the second clip section 38 has been
described above as including the first portion 78 with the receiving area
for accepting a portion of a pivot assembly 42, the second clip section
38 in other embodiments may not include a first portion 78. For instance,
the second clip section 38 may only include a second portion 82 that may
serve to accommodate installation of the bib 14 and/or strap 18 within
the second clip section 38 and thus the clip 22. In this regard, a
portion of the pivot assembly 42 (e.g., pivot pin 146) may be embedded
within the first clamp member 102. Further embodiments envision that a
portion of the pivot assembly 42 may be embedded or otherwise received
within other portions of the second clip section 38 in any appropriate
manner.

[0057]The first clamp member 102 may be in the form of any appropriate
device. For instance, the first clamp member 102 may include a first
layer 114 and a second layer 118 that may be appropriately attached
(e.g., non-movably) to each other (e.g., by stitching, bonding) and may
form a receiving area (not shown) therebetween for receiving or otherwise
holding a magnetic member (not shown), the purpose of which will be
described below. The first layer 114 may be constructed of any
appropriate material, and in one embodiment may be in the form of a
pliable planar base layer (e.g., plastic leather, vinyl) bonded over a
web of any type of foam material. The first layer 114 may be
appropriately attached or bonded (e.g., by adhesive) to the second member
94 of the first portion 78, or may even accept a portion of the pivot
assembly 42 to pivotally connect the second clip section 38 to the first
clip section 34. The second layer 118 may also be constructed of any
appropriate material, and may be in the form of a pliable planar base
layer (e.g., vinyl, plastic leather) with hook members 122 (loop members
may also be used) disposed on one surface of the base layer and a foam
material disposed on another surface of the base layer. In other
embodiments, the first clamp member 102 may be constructed of only a
single layer or member which may include hook and/or loop members on a
surface thereof. In such an embodiment, a portion of the pivot assembly
42 (e.g., pivot pin 146) could be embedded within such a single layer.
Such a single layer could itself be manufactured of a magnetic member
(e.g., magnet).

[0058]The second clamp member 106 may also be in the form of any
appropriate device. For instance, the second clamp member 106 may include
a first layer 126 and a second layer 130 that may be appropriately
attached (e.g., non-movably) to each other (e.g., by stitching, bonding)
and may form a receiving area (not shown) therebetween for receiving or
otherwise holding a magnetic member (not shown) that may be operable to
appropriately interact with the magnetic member of the first clamp member
102. The first layer 126 may be constructed of any appropriate material,
and in one embodiment may be in the form of a pliable planar base layer
(e.g., plastic, leather, vinyl) bonded over a web of any type of foam
material. The second layer 130 may also be constructed of any appropriate
material and may be in the form of a pliable planar base layer (e.g.,
plastic leather, vinyl) with hook members 134 (loop members may be also
be used) disposed on one surface of the base layer (operable to engage
with the hook members 122 of the first member 102) and a foam material
disposed on another surface of the base layer.

[0059]In some embodiments, at least one of the first and/or second clamp
members 102, 106 may be constructed of only a single layer or member that
may include hook and/or loop members on a surface thereof. Such a single
layer could additionally or alternatively be manufactured of a magnetic
member (e.g., magnet). In the situation where the first clamp member 102
is constructed of a single layer or member, a portion of the pivot
assembly 42 (e.g., pivot pin 146) could be embedded within such a single
layer. Additional or fewer layers and/or features may be incorporated
with the first and/or second clamp members 102, 106.

[0060]The first and second clamp members 102, 106 may be appropriately
connected by any device or connection that allows the first and second
clamp members 102, 106 to pivot or move (e.g., flex) with respect to one
another and thus form receiving space 110 therebetween for accepting an
object (e.g., bib 14). For instance, at least a portion of the first and
second clamp members 102, 106 may be appropriately attached at a first
end 138 of the second strap section 38 such as by adhesives, stitching
and the like. Moreover, the first and second clamp members 102, 106 may
be biased to a strap and/or bib retaining position as illustrated in FIG.
5a (not all features of the clip 22 being illustrated in FIG. 5a for
clarity) by way of a biasing force. For instance, the biasing force may
be created and/or applied owing to the interaction of the magnetic
members of the first and second clamp members 102, 106, and the
interaction of the hook members 122, 134. For instance, first clamp
member 102 may include any appropriate magnet (e.g., flexible, ceramic,
ferrite) located within its above-described receiving area, and the
second clamp member 106 may have any appropriate ferromagnetic material
(e.g., iron, nickel) located within its above-described receiving area.
As previously described, at least one of the first and/or second clamp
members 102, 106 may include a member or layer that is constructed of a
magnetic member. As such, the first and/or second clamp member 102, 106
may or may not include a receiving space situated therein.

[0061]In use, a user may appropriately grasp one of the first and second
clamp members 102, 106 and pull or push the other of the first and second
clamp members 102, 106 against the interaction of the magnet members and
the hook members 122, 134 to separate the first and second clamp members
102, 106 into a loading position and accordingly expose receiving space
110 as illustrated in FIG. 5b (not all features of the clip 22 being
illustrated in FIG. 5b for clarity). Thereafter, the user may insert any
appropriate object (e.g., bib 14) into the receiving space 110,
preferably until such object abuts or is substantially adjacent to the
first end 138 of the second strap section 38. The user may then either
release the first and second clamp members 102, 106 or else urge one of
the first and second clamp members 102, 106 towards the other of the
first and second clamp members 102, 106 to allow the magnetic members to
be attracted to each other and exert the biasing force against the bib
14. Additionally, the magnetic attraction of the magnetic members may
also be operable to urge the hook members 122, 134 into gripping contact
with the bib 14. At this point, the bib 14 may be considered to be
releasably or detachably attached or mounted to the second clip section
38, and thus the clip 22. The biasing force may also be created or
applied by other arrangements. For instance, a mechanical device such as
a spring may be incorporated with the second clip section 38 that would
tend to create or provide a biasing force tending to urge the first and
second clamp members 102, 106 together.

[0062]The second clip section 38 thereby may be characterized as including
first and second clamp members 102, 106 that are movable between an open
or "loading" position, and a closed or retaining position, and
furthermore that are magnetically attracted to each other at least in the
closed position (e.g., to retain a strap 18 or bib 14 between the clamp
members 102, 106 by the retention or clamping force provided by their
magnetic attraction). At least one of the first and second clamp members
102, 106 may incorporate one or more magnets in any appropriate manner to
provide the noted magnetic interaction between the first and second clamp
members 102, 106. Although a hook and loop fastening arrangement could be
used on the interfacing surfaces of the clamp members 102, 106, such is
not required in all instances. The above-described first clip section 34
of the clip 22 could also be in the form of the first clamp member 102
and the second clamp member 106 (e.g., the clip 22 could be in the form
of a pair of clip sections that are rotatably interconnected, with each
clip section including a pair of members that may be moved between open
and closed positions, and that are magnetically attracted to each other
at least in the closed position).

[0063]With reference to FIGS. 1-3, 6a and 6b, and with particular
reference to FIG. 3, the clip 22 additionally may include a pivot
assembly 42 that may be operable to rotatably interconnect the first and
second clip sections 34, 38 such that the first and second clip sections
34, 38 may be operable to swivel about a first axis 142. Any appropriate
arrangement may be utilized for the pivot assembly 42. In this regard,
the pivot assembly 42 may be operable to allow one of the first and
second clip sections 34, 38 to be rotated relative to the other of the
first and second clip sections 34, 38 between a plurality of
predetermined positions. As an example, the pivot assembly 42 may broadly
include a pivot pin 146, a covering member 150, an adjustment plate 154,
and a washer 158. As will be described below, the pair of adjustment
protrusions 75 situated on the underside of the second portion 50 of the
first clip section 34 may be operable to be seated in respective pairs of
a plurality of adjustment apertures 162 situated through the adjustment
plate 154 to define the plurality of predetermined positions. It is
envisioned that the plurality of adjustment apertures 162 may take other
forms such as depressions, slots, and/or the like.

[0064]The adjustment plate 154 may be in the form of a generally circular
or oval-shaped plate of any appropriate material (e.g. metallic, plastic)
with top and bottom surfaces 155, 156. A central bore 166 may extend
through the middle of the adjustment plate 154 and may be surrounded by
the plurality of adjustment apertures 162. An outer surface 157 may be
situated on the top surface 155 outside of the adjustment apertures 162.
The adjustment plate 154 may be mounted on top of the first member 90
such that the central bore 166 is aligned over a corresponding pivot bore
170 that extends through the first member 90 and into the receiving area
between the first and second members 90, 94. The adjustment plate 154 may
be operable to be appropriately non-rotatably mounted to a top portion
(not labeled) of the first member 90. In other words, the adjustment
plate 154 may be mounted so that it cannot rotate relative to the second
clip section 38 as will be shown below.

[0065]The covering member 150 may be a generally pliable planar member
(e.g., plastic, vinyl) of any appropriate shape having top and bottom
surfaces 151, 152 with a central bore 174 extending therethrough. After
the adjustment plate 154 has been disposed over the top of the first
member 90, the covering member 150 may be placed over the adjustment
plate 154 such that: a) the central bore 174 of the covering member 150
is aligned over both the central bore 166 and adjustment apertures 162 of
the adjustment plate 154; and b) a portion of the bottom surface 152 of
the covering member 150 is in contact with a portion of the outer surface
157 of the adjustment plate 154. Thereafter, the covering member 150 may
be appropriately attached to the top surface of the first member 90 such
as by stitching 178 (see FIG. 2) or in any other appropriate manner
(e.g., adhesives, staples). Because a bottom surface 152 of the covering
member 150 is in contact with the outer surface 157 of the adjustment
plate 154, the adjustment plate 154 may be inhibited from rotating
relative to the second clip section 38. In other embodiments, a portion
of the bottom surface 156 of the adjustment plate 154 may be
appropriately non-rotatably attached to the first member 90, such as by
adhesives, welding, etc. In further embodiments, a depression (not shown)
may be formed in a top surface of the first member 90 that corresponds in
shape to the adjustment plate 154. The adjustment plate 154 may then be
situated within the depression and covered by covering member 150 to
prevent the adjustment plate 154 from rotating relative to the second
clip section 38. Other arrangements are envisioned to maintain the
adjustment plate 154 in a fixed position relative to the first member 90.

[0066]The pivot pin 146 may include a head 182 with a shaft 186 extending
from the head 182. The diameter of the shaft 186 may be slightly smaller
than that of the pivot aperture 74 and central bore 166. Thus, in
assembly the shaft 186 may be inserted: a) into the pivot aperture 74
from a top side to the underside of the second portion 50 of the first
clip section 34; and then b) through the central bore 174 of the covering
member 150, central bore 166 of the adjustment plate 154, pivot bore 170
in the first member 90, and into the receiving area between the first and
second members 90, 94 of the first portion 78 of the second clip section
38. It is noted that the first and second members 90, 94 may in some
embodiments not be fully stitched or otherwise appropriately attached to
each other until after the pivot assembly 42 has been fully assembled so
as to provide access to the receiving area.

[0067]Once a portion of the shaft 186 of the pivot pin 146 has been
inserted into the receiving area between the first and second members 90,
94 of the second clip section 38 as previously described, the washer 158
may be appropriately slid onto or over the end of the shaft 186 within
the receiving area (e.g., from underneath the first member 90). At this
point, a user or assembler may appropriately pull on the end of the shaft
186 in a direction from a top portion of the first member 90 towards the
receiving area which will correspondingly clamp or sandwich the section
portion 50 of the first clip section 34, the covering member 150 and the
adjustment plate 154 between the head 182 of the pivot pin 146 and the
first member 90 of the second slip section 38. Thereafter, the user or
assembler may appropriately manipulate the end of the shaft 186 to
prevent the shaft 186 from sliding within the pivot bore 170, central
bore 166, central bore 174 and pivot aperture 74 in a direction from the
receiving area towards the first clip section 34. For instance, a portion
of the end of the shaft 186 may be appropriately formed so as to have an
expanded portion 190 having a diameter or width dimension that is at
least somewhat larger than the diameter of the pivot bore 170. In some
embodiments, a portion of the end of the shaft 186 may be appropriately
stamped, pressed or otherwise manipulated to form of a series of flared
portions as illustrated in FIG. 3. In other embodiments, the expanded
portion 190 illustrated in FIG. 3 may not be formed until after the shaft
186 has been inserted into the receiving area between the first and
second members 90, 94. In even further embodiments, the expanded portion
190 may be formed before the shaft 186 is inserted into the receiving
area so long as the expanded portion 190 may be urged through the pivot
bore 170.

[0068]In other embodiments, a portion of the end of the shaft 186 received
within receiving area may be threaded (not shown), and a nut (not shown)
may be threaded onto the end of the shaft 186 within the receiving area
to sandwich the section portion 50 of the first clip section 34, the
covering member 150 and the adjustment plate 154 between the head 182 of
the pivot pin 146 and the first member 90 of the second clip section 38.
In such an arrangement, the head 182 of the pivot pin 146 may have
appropriately formed slots or depressions for any type of tool (e.g.,
flathead screwdriver, Philips screwdriver) that would allow the pivot pin
146, and thus the entire pivot assembly 42, to be loosened or tightened
by such tool. With reference to FIG. 7 (not all features of the clip 22
being illustrated in FIG. 7 for clarity), an access aperture 194 may be
formed through the first portion 46 of the first clip section 34 that may
be aligned over the pivot aperture 74 to allow a user to access the head
182 of the pivot pin 46 with a tool through such access aperture 194.

[0069]In some arrangements, the adjustment plate 154 and covering member
150 may be appropriately disposed over and attached to a portion of the
first clamp member 102 instead of over a top surface of the first member
90 of the first portion 78. In such an arrangement, the first portion 78
may not even be provided, and the pivot pin 146 may appropriately extend
through the adjustment plate 154 and covering member 150 and be attached
to or embedded within the first clamp member 102 using one of the
above-described arrangements or other arrangements. Regardless of how the
pivot assembly 42 is attached to the various portions of the clip 22, the
pivot assembly allows the first and second clip portions 34, 38 to pivot
relative to each other.

[0070]After the pivot assembly 42 has been appropriately assembled and the
first and second members 90, 94 of the second clip section 38 have been
appropriately attached or connected to each other as described above, the
adjustment protrusions 75 will either be engaged with the top surface 155
of the adjustment plate 154 or else be disposed or located within a
corresponding pair of opposed adjustment apertures of the plurality of
adjustment apertures 162. Disposition of the pair of adjustment
protrusions 75 within a corresponding pair of opposed adjustment
apertures of the plurality of adjustment apertures 162 may define a
number of retention positions that may be occupied by one of the first
and second clip sections 34, 38 relative to the other of the first and
second clip sections 34, 38. Additionally, disposition of the pair of
adjustment protrusions 75 on top of opposed portions (not labeled) of the
adjustment plate extending between the adjustment apertures 162 may
define a number of separate transition positions that may be occupied by
one of the first and second clip sections 34, 38 relative to the other of
the first and second clip sections 34, 38. As such, each of the retention
positions provides a greater resistance to relative rotational motion
between the first and second clip sections 34, 38 than each of the
separate transition positions. Stated otherwise, disposition of the pair
of adjustment protrusions 75 within the plurality of adjustment apertures
162 provides a greater resistance to relative rotational motion than when
the pair of adjustment protrusions 75 is not situated or located within
the plurality of adjustment apertures 162.

[0071]Based upon the foregoing, as a user rotates one of the first and
second clip sections 34, 38 relative to the other of the first and second
clip sections 34, 38, one of the first and second clip sections 34, 38
may be disposed in a number of discrete retention positions (e.g., eight)
relative to the other of the first and second clip sections 34, 38 as the
pair of adjustment protrusions 75 moves between respective pairs of
adjustment apertures of the plurality of adjustment aperture 162. For
example, the first clip section 34 may be rotated from a first retention
position as is illustrated in FIG. 6a (not all features of the clip 22
being illustrated in FIG. 6a for clarity) to a second retention position
relative to the second clip section 38 as is illustrated in FIG. 6b (not
all features of the clip 22 being illustrated in FIG. 6b for clarity).

[0072]At least some portion of the clip 22 may be resilient to allow the
pair of adjustment protrusions 75 to exit a corresponding pair of
adjustment apertures 162. For instance, if the first member 90 of the
first portion 78 of the second clip section 38 includes a pliable layer
or layer of cardboard, then the adjustment plate 154 may "give" a bit and
allow the pair of adjustment protrusions 75 to exit a corresponding pair
of adjustment apertures 162 upon rotation of one of the first and second
clip sections 34, 38 relative to the other of the first and second clip
sections 34, 38. In other embodiments, each adjustment protrusion of the
pair of adjustment protrusions 75 may include a spring-loaded ball
bearing. In further arrangements, each adjustment protrusion of the pair
of adjustment protrusions 75 may be constructed of a material that is
elastically deformable. Notwithstanding the foregoing description, any
appropriate way of rotatably interconnecting the first and second clip
sections 34, 38 may be utilized. Moreover, any appropriate way of
providing a plurality of predetermined positions of the first clip
section 34 relative to the second clip section 38 may be utilized.

[0073]With reference to FIGS. 1, 4b, 5b and 8, one method of detachably
mounting a bib 14 to a strap 18 will now be described. It will be
appreciated that other assembly methods may be possible. Initially, the
first and second clamp members 102, 106 of the second portion 82 of the
second clip section 38 may be appropriately separated against a biasing
force that exists between the first and second clamp members 102, 106
(e.g., the magnetic attraction of the magnetic members and interaction of
the hook members 122, 134) to the loading position illustrated in FIG.
5b, and a strap 18 may be inserted into the receiving space 110.
Thereafter, one of the first and second clamp members 102, 106 may be
released or else pushed or pulled towards the other of the first and
second clamp members 102, 106 to sandwich or compress the strap 18
between the first and second clamp members 102, 106 as illustrated in
FIGS. 1 and 8 (not all features of the clip 22 being illustrated in FIGS.
1 and 8 for clarity). Thereafter, the first clip section 34 may be
appropriately rotated relative to the second clip section 38 so as orient
the length of the first clip section 34 in a substantially vertical
orientation. In other words, the receiving space 54 may be appropriately
oriented in a downward direction. In other embodiments, the second clip
section 38 may be rotated or otherwise positioned to orientations other
than vertical orientations. In any case, the first and second clamp
portions 46, 50 of the first clip section 34 may then be appropriately
separated against the biasing (e.g., spring) force of the biasing section
58 to the loading position illustrated in FIG. 4b, and the upper portion
26 of the bib 14 may be inserted into the receiving space 54 so as to
engage with the first clip section 34. One of the first and second clamp
portions 46, 50 of the first clip section 34 may be released or else
pushed or pulled towards the other of the first and second clamp portions
46, 50 to sandwich or compress the bib 14 between the first and second
clamp members 46, 50 as illustrated in FIG. 1. As previously described,
the strap 18 could instead be detachably mounted within the first clip
section 34 and the bib 14 could be detachably mounted within the second
clip section 38.

[0074]FIGS. 9-10 present a variation of the clip 22 of FIGS. 1-8.
Corresponding components between the two embodiments are identified by a
common reference numeral. Those corresponding components that differ in
at least some respect are identified by a "single prime" designation in
FIGS. 9-10. Each of the first clip section 34 and the second clip section
38' again may be detachably mounted to a bib 14 or a strap 18. In this
embodiment, the second portion 82' of the second clip section 38' of the
clip 22' may include a first member 102', and this first member 102' may
include a member 198 with a receiving surface 202. Further, the second
clamp member 106' may include a trap member 206 having a roller 210
rotatably disposed thereon (the roller 210 may rotate about a portion of
the trap member 206) that may be operable to compress an object (e.g.,
bib 14, strap 18) against the receiving surface 202 of the member 198.
Further advantages of the roller 210 will be described below. A biasing
member 214 (e.g., torsion spring) interconnects the first and second
clamp members 102', 106' and may serve to provide a bias or compressive
force between the first and second clamp members 102', 106' so as to bias
the first and second clamp members 102', 106' to a strap and/or bib
retaining position as illustrated in FIGS. 9-10. Stated otherwise, the
biasing member 214 may tend to urge the first and second clamp members
102', 106' back toward a static position when deflected from the static
position.

[0075]The biasing member 214 may include a first leg 224 that may be
attached to the member 198 in any appropriate manner (e.g., staples 228),
and a second leg 232 that may be appropriately removably disposed about a
portion of the trap member 206. Moreover, the trap member 206 may include
a pivot pin 236 that may extend through a portion of the biasing member
214 and may be pivotable relative thereto. As a result, the second leg
232 may serve to urge the trap member 206 towards the receiving surface
202 even when the first and second clamp members 102', 106' are separated
from each other. A user may also disengage or otherwise remove the second
leg 232 from the trap member 206 in which case the biasing member 214 may
be operable to not exert a biasing force and urge the trap member 206
against the receiving surface 202.

[0076]In use and when the second leg 232 is appropriately engaged with the
trap member 206, a user or operator may appropriately grasp one of the
first clamp member 102' and second clamp member 106' and pull or push the
other of the first clamp member 102' and second clamp member 106' against
the biasing force of the biasing member 214 to separate the first and
second clamp members 102', 106' into a loading position and accordingly
expose receiving space 110'. Thereafter, the user may insert any
appropriate device (e.g., bib 14) into the receiving space, preferably
until the bib 14 is substantially adjacent to the biasing member 214. The
user may then release either of the first and second clamp members 102',
106' to allow the biasing member 214 exert a compressive force between
the first and second clamp members 102', 106' and allow at least a
portion of the trap member 206 (e.g., roller 210) to urge the bib 14
against the receiving surface 202. At this point, the bib 14 may be
considered to be releasably or detachably attached or mounted to the
second clip section 38' and thus the clip 22'.

[0077]The roller 210 may advantageously facilitate loading, unloading
and/or adjustment of the bib 14 or other device situated within the
receiving area 110' of the second clip section 38'. For instance, if a
user desires to not attempt to separate the first and second clamp
members 102', 106' for loading of a bib 14, the user may simply insert an
edge of the bib 14 into the space between the roller 210 and the
receiving surface 202 of the member 198 and pull the bib 14 into the
receiving space 110' to a desired location. The roller 210 may facilitate
such loading by reducing friction between the trap member 206 and the bib
14 (e.g., by the roller 210 rotating as the bib 14 is being inserted
between the first and second clamp members 102', 106'). Once the desired
location is reached, the user may simply stop pulling or otherwise moving
the bib 14 and the roller 210 may serve to urge the bib 14 against the
receiving surface 202 and thus detachably connect or mount the bib 14 to
the second clip section 38'. Thereafter, the user may enact fine
adjustments of the bib 14 within the receiving area 110' by pulling or
otherwise moving a portion of the bib 14 without separating the first and
second clamp members 102', 106'. Additionally, a user may unload the bib
14 from the receiving area 110' by pulling the bib 14 out of the
receiving area 110' again without separating the first and second clamp
members 102', 106'.

[0078]As previously discussed, the clip 22 may be provided without a first
portion 78. As such, the member 198 of the first clamp member 102' of the
clip 22' may incorporate at least a portion of the pivot assembly 42. In
further embodiments, the trap member 206 of the second clamp member 106'
and biasing member 214 may be appropriately attached or mounted to the
first portion 78 of the second clip section 38'.

[0079]FIGS. 11-13 present another variation of the clip 22 of FIGS. 1-8.
Corresponding components between the two embodiments are identified by a
common reference numeral. Those corresponding components that differ in
at least some respect are identified by a "double prime" designation in
FIGS. 11-13. Each of the first clip section 34 and the second clip
section 38'' again may be detachably mounted to a bib 14 or a strap 18.
In this embodiment, the first clip section 34 may be rotatably and
removably attached to the second clip section 38''. More specifically,
the first portion 78'' of the second clip section 38'' may now be in the
form of a magnetic plate 218 with a receiving aperture 222 leading to a
receiving space 226 therein. The end portion and/or expanded portion 190
of the shaft 186 of the pivot assembly 42 may be removably located
through the receiving aperture 222 and into the receiving space 226, and
the adjustment plate 154 may be magnetically attracted to the magnetic
plate 218. As a result, the first clip section 34 may be repeatedly
detachably connected to and removed from the second clip section 38'' by
simply inserting the end portion and/or expanded portion 190 of the shaft
186 into the receiving space 226 and allowing the adjustment plate 154 to
be magnetically attracted to the magnetic plate 218. Thus, the adjustment
plate 154 may be appropriately made of a ferromagnetic material or
appropriate type of metal.

[0080]Further, in this embodiment the second portion 82'' of the second
clip section 38'' may include a first clamp member 102'' that may include
a platform 230 with a receiving surface 234 thereon. The second clamp
member 106'' may include an arm 238 that may be appropriately pivotally
connected (e.g., by a ball and socket arrangement, pivot pin) to the
platform 230 and may be operable to compress an object (e.g., bib 14,
strap 18) against the receiving surface 234. The arm 238 may include
interface portions 242 for providing a gripping contact against the bib
14 or strap 18. The interface portions 242 may be operable to contact the
bib 14 or strap 18 situated within the receiving space 110'' against the
receiving surface 234. In this regard, the interface sections 242 may be
operable to exert a greater force on the bib 14 or strap 18 than a
portion (not labeled) of the arm 238 that extends between the interface
sections 242. The arm 238 may also include finger grips 246 that may
facilitate separation of the interface portions 242 from the receiving
surface 234.

[0081]A biasing member 250 (e.g., leaf spring) interconnects the first and
second clamp members 102'', 106'' and may serve to provide a bias or
compressive force between the first and second clamp members 102'', 106''
so as to bias the first and second clamp members 102'', 106'' to a strap
and/or bib retaining position as illustrated in FIG. 12. Stated
otherwise, the biasing member 250 may tend to urge the first and second
clamp members 102'', 106'' back toward a static position when deflected
from the static position. A user may load an object (e.g., bib 14, strap
18) into the receiving space 110'' similar to methods as previously
described.

[0082]In other embodiments, the clip 22'' may be provided without a first
portion 78'' of the second clip section 38'', and at least a portion of
the second portion 82'' (e.g., first clamp member 102'') may be
constructed of a magnetic material or otherwise incorporate a magnetic
member to interact with a portion of the pivot assembly 42 (e.g.,
adjustment plate 154). In even further embodiments, other types of
devices and arrangements (e.g. mechanical) may be provided to allow the
first and second clip sections 34'', 38'' to be removably and/or
rotatably attached to each other. For instance, detent/aperture types
arrangement may be provided between the first and second clip sections
34'', 38'' that would allow the first and second clip sections 34'', 38''
to be snapped into engagement with each other, and thereafter unsnapped
or otherwise disengaged.

[0083]FIGS. 14-16 present another variation of the clip 22 of FIGS. 1-8.
Corresponding components between the two embodiments are identified by a
common reference numeral. Those corresponding components that differ in
at least some respect are identified by a "triple prime" designation in
FIGS. 14-16. Each of the first clip section 34''' and the second clip
section 38''' again may be detachably mounted to a bib 14 or a strap 18.
In this embodiment, the first clip section 34''' may include first and
second clamp portions 46''', 50''' that may be movable relative to each
other with a receiving space 54''' formed between the first and second
clamp portions 46''', 50''' for accepting the strap 18, bib 14, etc. A
biasing section 58''' may interconnect the first and second clamp
portions 46''', 50''' and may serve at least two functions: a) to provide
a bias force so as to bias the first and second clamp portions 46''',
50''' into a strap and/or bib loading position, and b) to provide a bias
or compressive force between the first and second clamp portions 46''',
50''' so as to bias the first and second clamp portions 46''', 50''' to a
strap and/or bib retaining position as illustrated in FIG. 14, as will be
described below.

[0084]The biasing section 58''' may include any appropriate device serving
to interconnect the first and second clamp portions 46''', 50''' and
allow such portions to move relative to each other between at least
loading and retaining positions. Such a device may also serve to provide
a biasing force between the first and second clamp portions 46''', 50'''.
For instance, the biasing section 58''' may include a living hinge 254
movably connecting the first and second clamp portions 46''', 50''' that
may serve to provide a biasing force that may tend to separate the first
and second clamp portions 46''', 50''' from each other when such portions
are not subject to outside compressive forces. The first and second clamp
portions 46''', 50''' could also be part of a clothes-pin type structure.

[0085]The biasing section 58''' may also include a clip member 258. The
clip member 258 may include a first leg 259 that may be operable to slide
into and out of a depression 255 situated within a portion of the first
clamp portion 46''' of the first clip section 34''', and a second leg 260
that may be operable to slide into and out of a depression (not shown)
situated between the second clamp portion 50''' of the first clip section
34''' and another portion of the first clip section 34''' (e.g., platform
262). The platform 262 may be rigidly or otherwise non-movably attached
to the second portion 50''' of the first clip section 34''' and in this
regard may be considered to be part of the first clip section 34'''.

[0086]Based upon the foregoing, when a user slides the spring member 258
out of depression 255 and the other depression to the position
illustrated in FIG. 15, the first and second clamp portions 46''', 50'''
may be biased into a strap and/or bib loading position as shown in FIG.
4b owing in part to the biasing force of the living hinge 254. A user may
further appropriately manipulate the first and second clamp portions
46''', 50''' by pulling or pushing such members to increase the size of
the receiving space 64. Thereafter, the user may insert an object (e.g.,
strap 18, bib 14) into the receiving space 64. In this regard, the first
and second clamp portions 46''', 50''' may accommodate installation of
the strap and/or bib. Thereafter, the first and second legs 259, 260 of
the spring 258 may be slid back into their respective depressions (255,
the other not being shown) to compress the first and second clamp
portions 46''', 50''' towards each other and overcome the biasing force
of the living hinge 254; the object is now releasably or detachably
attached to the first strap section 34'''. Stated otherwise, the spring
258 may be operable to urge the first and second clamp portions 46''',
50''' together. At least one of the first and/or second clamp portions
46''', 50''' may include at least one tooth 264 or other protrusion for
increasing the gripping ability of the first and/or second portions
46''', 50'''.

[0087]The second clip section 38''' may include first and second clamp
sections 268, 272 that may be pivoted relative to each other via a pivot
pin 276. In this regard, the first and second clamp sections 268, 272
together may be in the form of a clamping member. The second clamp
section 272 may be in the form of an arm that may be operable to compress
an object (e.g., bib 14, strap 18) against a portion of the first clamp
section 268 and/or a receiving surface 280 of the platform 262. The
second clamp section 272 may include at least one interface portion 284
for providing a gripping contact against the bib 14 or strap 18. The
interface portion 284 may be operable to urge the bib 14 or strap 18
situated within the receiving space 110''' against the receiving surface
280. The second clamp section 272 may also include a finger grip 288
which may be in the form of a handle that may facilitate separation of
the at least one interface portion 284 from the receiving surface 280.
Such finger grip 288 may be used in conjunction with a corresponding
finger grip or handle 289 situated on a portion of the platform 262.

[0088]A biasing member 292 may be appropriately associated with the pivot
pin 276 and may serve to provide a bias or compressive force between the
first and second clamp sections 268, 272 so as to bias the first and
second clamp sections 268, 272 to a strap and/or bib retaining position
as illustrated in FIG. 16. Stated otherwise, the biasing member 292 may
tend to urge the first and second clamp sections 268, 272 back toward a
static position when deflected from the static position. For instance,
the biasing member 292 may be in the form of a torsion spring that may be
wrapped or otherwise disposed about a portion of the pivot pin 276. A
user may load an object (e.g., bib 14, strap 18) into the receiving space
110''' similar to methods as previously described. An appropriate pivot
assembly 296 may pivotally interconnect the first and second clip
sections 34''', 38''' such that the first and second clip sections 34''',
38''' may be disposed in one of a plurality of retention positions or
else can be freely disposed any desired rotational position relative to
each other. The pivot assembly 296 may be similar to those as previously
described or may be any other appropriate pivot device.

[0089]The foregoing description of the present invention has been
presented for purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, the
description is not intended to limit the invention to the form disclosed
herein. Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with the
above teachings, and skill and knowledge of the relevant art, are within
the scope of the present invention. The embodiments described hereinabove
are further intended to explain best modes known of practicing the
invention and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the
invention in such, or other embodiments and with various modifications
required by the particular application(s) or use(s) of the present
invention. It is intended that the appended claims be construed to
include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.